Germany, 1871–1991 – only) The Nazi experiment, 1929–1949 (A-level only):…

The idea

Between 1933 and 1945, Nazi government blended radical ideology with chaotic practice. Nazism's core tenets—Social Darwinism, anti-Semitism, and Lebensraum—drove policy, yet Hitler’s style of government was notoriously disorganised, characterised by 'working towards the Führer' and overlapping jurisdictions among key leaders like Göring, Himmler, and Goebbels. The regime maintained control through a pervasive Terror State, utilising the Gestapo, SS, and concentration camps to crush dissent. Despite this, opposition and resistance persisted, ranging from the White Rose group to the July 1944 bomb plot, though it remained fragmented. The outbreak of war in 1939 radicalised the regime, escalating the terror apparatus, accelerating the Holocaust, and ultimately leading to the total collapse of the Nazi state under the strain of total war.

What earns the marks

• Contrast the theoretical totalitarianism of Nazi ideology with the polycratic, chaotic reality of Hitler's administrative style.
• Evaluate the roles and rivalries of key Nazi leaders, such as Himmler's control of the SS and Gestapo, and Goebbels' dominance over propaganda.
• Analyse the mechanisms of the Terror State, including the use of informants, the SS, and the judiciary to enforce compliance and eliminate enemies.
• Assess the nature and effectiveness of opposition and resistance, distinguishing between non-conformity (e.g., Edelweiss Pirates) and active plots (e.g., Stauffenberg).
• Explain how the onset and progression of the Second World War radicalised Nazi policies, particularly regarding racial extermination and the centralisation of the war economy.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Describing the Gestapo as an omnipresent force with millions of officers.

  Put it right by explaining they were relatively small and relied heavily on civilian denunciations.

• Equating all forms of non-conformity with active political resistance.

  Put it right by distinguishing between low-level dissent, like listening to foreign radio, and attempts to overthrow the regime.

• Assuming Hitler micromanaged all domestic policies.

  Put it right by discussing his 'hands-off' approach and the concept of subordinates 'working towards the Führer'.

Exam tips

• Use the concept of 'polycracy' to explain the overlapping powers and rivalries between key Nazi leaders and state institutions.
• When discussing opposition, always evaluate why it failed to overthrow the regime, citing the effectiveness of the Terror State and the fragmentation of resistance groups.
• Explicitly link the radicalisation of Nazi racial and social policies to the context of the Second World War, showing how conflict removed previous restraints.